A single mother who has not had sustainable, structured employment since age 16, Rita came to Otter Tail County's Empowered Worker program looking for a fresh start. She had always relied on her partner to make the money and support the family financially. Things changed briskly, and she wanted nothing more than to be able to support her family financially herself.
However, Rita faced barriers to employment, including a lack of recent work experience, a vehicle that was not reliable, and limited resources for necessities. She was determined overcome these barriers to pursue a career in nursing. Her first step was to complete Nursing Assistant classes and pass the test to become a CNA.
Otter Tail County's Empowered worker program supported her with gas cards, Walmart gift cards for necessities, scrubs for job shadowing and work, individualized workforce and college navigation, a laptop, tuition, books, and school supplies, and ongoing encouragement. Otter Tail County is a Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Drive for 5 grantee. Drive for 5 grants help fund employment and training programs that prepare Minnesotans for high-demand jobs in 5 occupational categories: the caring professions, education, manufacturing, technology and the trades.
In March 2025, Rita passed the test to become a CNA and in April she began work at a nursing home in Perham. Rita is intent on advancing her nursing career and is enrolled at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Wadena to pursue her Registered Nursing (RN) license.
Otter Tail County’s Empowered Worker program is funded by the county and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Rita was referred to the Empowered Worker Program by Otter Tail County Human Services staff, who recognized her drive to succeed.
Rita’s Workforce Navigator with Otter Tail County, Amy Johnson, shared this acknowledgement of her accomplishments, “Rita is an exemplary participant of the Drive for 5 program. She has proven motivation and drive to gain post-secondary credentials in order to build family economic self-sufficiency for her and her children. She’s changing the trajectory of her life and leading her children’s future by example.”
Congratulations to Rita for her hard work and focus on strong career path that will provide well for her family!
